Sicilian Defense: Nimzo-American Variation

Sicilian Defense: Nimzo-American Variation

Definition

The Sicilian Defense: Nimzo-American Variation is an off-beat branch of the Sicilian in which Black immediately attacks White’s e-pawn with 2…Nf6. It is reached after:

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 (B29)

If White replies 3.e5, the standard continuation is 3…Nd5 4.Nc3, producing the typical tabiya of the Nimzo-American. The variation fuses Aron Nimzowitsch’s idea of the early knight jump with ideas later popularised by American masters in the 1920s–30s, hence the compound name.

Typical Move Order

1. e4  c5
2. Nf3 Nf6
   (If 3.Nc3, Black can transpose into a normal Open Sicilian; 3.e5 is the critical test.)
3. e5  Nd5
4. Nc3  e6
   (4…Nxc3 or 4…e6 are both playable; the pawn on e5 cramps Black but also gives Black an excellent outpost on d5.)
5. d4  cxd4
6. Nxd4  Nc6  (or 6…Bb4)

Strategic Themes

• Central Imbalance
  White gains space with the e5 wedge and often a strong centre after d4, but the pawn on e5 can become over-extended.
• Permanent d5 Outpost
  Black’s knight on d5 is hard to dislodge; the square becomes a focal point for Black’s strategy, echoing Nimzowitsch’s “blockade” concept.
• Unbalanced Pawn Structures
  After …Nxc3 and bxc3, White gets the Maróczy-style c- and e-pawns, doubled c-pawns, and the b-file half-open for rook play.
• Flexible Schemes
  • Black can choose a Hedgehog-like set-up with …d6, …Be7, …0-0
  • Or pursue immediate counterplay with …Bb4, …Qa5, and …Nc6.

Historical Background

Aron Nimzowitsch introduced 2…Nf6 in the 1920s as a provocative antidote to mainstream 2…d6 and 2…e6 Sicilians. American contemporaries such as Frank Marshall and Samuel Factor adopted the line in New York tournaments, giving rise to the hybrid title “Nimzo-American.” Although it never became a staple of world-championship play, it has been a surprise weapon for creative grandmasters like Bent Larsen, Artur Yusupov, and more recently Baadur Jobava.

Model Game

The following miniature illustrates both sides’ ideas (notes condensed for space):

White’s doubled c-pawns were outweighed by rapid development and an open b-file, leading to a swift kingside attack.

Practical Tips

• For White: Play 3.e5 without hesitation; delaying lets Black transpose back to calmer waters. Keep pieces on the board to exploit your space.
• For Black: Don’t fear doubled pawns; aim for fast piece play with …Bb4 and …Qa5. If White castles queenside, the half-open b-file can become decisive.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In his book My System, Nimzowitsch proudly called 2…Nf6 “the counter-center,” claiming it “mocks the dogmatic 2…d6!”
• The line was a favourite of the American correspondence champion Abe Turner, who scored 78 % with it in postal play during the 1950s.
• GM Baadur Jobava used the variation to upset several 2700-rated opponents in blitz, leading commentators to dub it “the Jobava Ninja Sicilian.”

Further Exploration

Study annotated games by Larsen and Yusupov to see both positional and tactical handling, and consult ECO B29 for the latest engine-tested refinements.